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Nepal officially joins IBCA

Why in the News? Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative to protect seven species of big cats. About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Overview: A global multi-country, multi-agency alliance of 95 countries (range and non-range) focused on conserving big cats and their habitats. Launch: Proposed by… Continue reading Nepal officially joins IBCA

Reforming the steel framework

Introduction Independence Day speeches are often symbolic, but in 2025 the Prime Minister shifted focus to frontier technologies, semiconductors, clean energy, AI, quantum computing, and defence indigenisation. Unlike earlier years, this vision was paired with the acknowledgment that bureaucratic inertia and regulatory red tape remain India’s toughest hurdles. The central challenge is whether India’s governance… Continue reading Reforming the steel framework

Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)

Why in the News? The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing its heaviest-ever rocket, the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV). About Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV): Overview: India’s heaviest rocket under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Purpose: Designed mainly for lunar exploration, including India’s first human mission to the Moon by… Continue reading Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and Famine Declaration

Why in the News? The United Nations has officially declared a famine in Gaza based on an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) panel assessment. About Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): What It Is: A global standard tool to assess and classify the severity of food insecurity. Established: In 2004 during the Somalia food crisis… Continue reading Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and Famine Declaration

In news: Lipulekh Pass

Why in the News? India has rejected Nepal’s objection to resumption of India–China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. About Lipulekh Pass: Location: High-altitude Himalayan pass (~17,000 ft) near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet). Connectivity: Links Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region with Taklakot in Tibet. Cultural Role: Serves as the shortest route… Continue reading In news: Lipulekh Pass

Gopal Patha and Direct Action Day

Why in the News? A recent movie depicted the 1946 “Great Calcutta Killing” — four days of communal riots on Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946), spotlighting Gopal Patha’s role in mobilising Hindu youth. About Direct Action Day: Declaration: Called by the All-India Muslim League to press for Partition and creation of Pakistan. Bengal Role:… Continue reading Gopal Patha and Direct Action Day

Simplified two-rate GST Structure

Why in the News? The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has accepted the Centre’s proposal to simplify GST into a two-rate structure. The recommendation will now be placed before the GST Council for final approval. About Goods and Services Tax (GST): Nature: Comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax on goods and services. Introduction: Launched… Continue reading Simplified two-rate GST Structure

Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

Why in the News? Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of “forest” as per Supreme Court directions. Haryana’s definition of Forest: Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if: Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest). Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more. Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards… Continue reading Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project

Why in the News? The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district. About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project: Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra). Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one… Continue reading Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project

NTCA limits definition of Tiger Corridors

Why in the News? The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 “least cost pathways” identified in 2014. About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Functions: Provides… Continue reading NTCA limits definition of Tiger Corridors

[21st August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s democracy is failing the migrant citizen

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.” Linkage: Just as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) evolved as a tool by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure free and fair elections in a changing political… Continue reading [21st August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s democracy is failing the migrant citizen

Why India needs a national space law

India is entering a new era of space exploration with  lunar success, Gaganyaan, and the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station. Yet, one critical element is missing, a national space law. While India has ratified global treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967), it lacks a domestic legal framework to regulate private participation, ensure liability, and attract… Continue reading Why India needs a national space law

African Union (AU) and the Mercator Map Debate

Why in the News? The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate maps. About the African Union (AU): Establishment: Formed in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (1963). Membership: 55 African countries. Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Vision: “An Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful… Continue reading African Union (AU) and the Mercator Map Debate

Xinjiang-Xizang Railway Line

Why in the News? China has launched the Xinjiang–Xizang Railway Line, a strategic, economic, and engineering milestone, connecting Xinjiang with Tibet. About the Xinjiang–Xizang Railway Line: Overview: A major high-altitude railway project connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang). Total length planned: ~2,000 km, part of China’s larger 5,000 km rail… Continue reading Xinjiang-Xizang Railway Line

Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

Why in the News? India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha). What are Ballistic Missiles? Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward. Three phases: Boost Phase – missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed. Midcourse Phase – missile coasts in… Continue reading Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene 

Why in the News? German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical — a survival trick called epigenetic bistability. About Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments. Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened… Continue reading Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene 

In news: International Criminal Court (ICC) 

Why in the News? The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials. About the International Criminal Court (ICC): Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands. Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals… Continue reading In news: International Criminal Court (ICC) 

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